A new annual Tri-Nations series involving Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain will replace the World Cup and the Lions tours until at least 2006.
The Rugby League International Federation confirmed that the competition will be hosted by Great Britain for the next three years.

ROUND 13 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup has the Canterbury Bulls move to within 2 points of competition leaders, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, after their game in Christchurch. The top 5 for the playoffs now look settled, although a late charge by the North Harbour Tigers might just upset the apple cart.

WARRINGTON Wolves piled on the misery for Tetley's Rugby Super League's basement side Halifax with a 66-6 win at Wilderspool on Sunday, while Bradford Bulls and St Helens came away from testing visits to Castleford and Wakefield and Huddersfield saw off Hull 30-14.
Graham Appo was the star of the show as Warrington sent Halifax to their biggest loss this season, scoring four tries and kicking nine goals.

FRIDAY night saw Test footy cop another battering as the Kangaroos thrashed a rudderless New Zealand side at Aussie Stadium. The Kiwis belted out their traditional Haka but that was as close as they got to impressing the 30,000 strong crowd that came out expecting something special but were sorely disappointed.

SCHOOLBOY prodigy Benji Marshall watched in awe as Andrew Johns dissected the Kiwis last Friday and he was a little disappointed the Kangaroos and Newcastle playmaker was absent injured when he made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut yesterday.

THE Wests Tigers have handed out a 52-12 hiding to the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium. The Knights were never in the match as the Tigers ran riot in the first half to post a handy 24-6 lead at the break.

THE Bulldogs have decided to challenge the National Rugby League judiciary over Corey Hughes' charge of dropping his knees. Hughes faces a three match suspension if found guilty tomorrow night of the grade two offence on North Queensland fullback Matt Bowen at Sydney Showground on Sunday.

THE Canberra Raiders have named a nineteen man side for this week's clash with the Sydney Roosters. Luke Davico has not been named in the side after suffering an nakle injury in last weekend's rout of the Sharks. Kiwi captain Ruben Wiki will move up to the front row to replace Davico, allowing Terry Martin to start the game from the back row.

THE Canterbury Bulldogs have eventually run out comfortable 42-22 winners over the North Queensland Cowboys at the Sydney Showground. It was the last throw of the dice for the Cowboys who saw their season evaporate following a controversial video ref call in the 70th minute.